OVERVIEW

         Our Campus

     The school campus sits amidst the stunning beauty of the glacial carved Cedar River Valley.   Every day is special because the valley presents an ever changing array of meteorological effects. You might find yourself arriving in a fog that lends an air of mystery and a softening effect to the edges of all things. You could arrive on a crisp sunny morning to see the spectacular play of sunrise on the clouds, giving the effect of the sky on fire. Many times you’ll arrive to the furtive effects of rainfall and feel comforted by the sheltering of the trees. Perhaps one cold winter morning the campus will be dusted with a coating of snow that whitewashes the ever changing landscape. It's always beautiful at Cedar River Montessori School.    Back to top

  Campus Layout

The south side of the campus meets the Cedar River and the north side culminates in the forested wilds of Skyfire Ridge. In total our school campus consists of 12 acres of land with playgrounds, pasture, natural wetlands, a stream flowing directly through the campus, forested hillsides with hiking trails and, of course, the Cedar River itself. We are surrounded by nature and are a part of it. Back to top

      School Building

When you approach the school building it will seem that you’ve gone back in time to the classic one-room school house of 19^th century America. The comparison is very close. We have a converted home with additional classrooms added on to it. It really is like coming home and it has all the good qualities of the old one-room school house.  We have the same intimacy of olden times where every student and every teacher know one-another but we have the very best in twenty-first century Montessori education. You will know that your child is a true individual, loved and admired for who he or she is. Your child will never be lost in the swarm of an overcrowded regular school. He will work at his own pace with teachers subtly guiding  his education. Your child's education will be personalized to guarantee his or her success. Back to top

   Animal Companions

We maintain a pasture with affectionate and child friendly animals  Currently we have 4 goats, 2 alpacas, and a llama. They’ll happily greet you every day. Inside the classrooms are reptiles and other small creatures. The outside and the inside animals are cared for by the students. It is a way to help them develop a nurturing attitude towards others. Back to top

   The Cats of Cedar River Montessori School

       Besides our goats and other pets, Cedar River Montessori School has a long tradition of keeping school cats. Our cats are reared from kitten-hood to be gentle and non-aggressive towards children. In return for a loving upbringing, our cats repay us by being gentle and loving with the children. The school cats have an ubiquitous presence and often join in during circle lessons to the delight of all. They are everyone's friends. Back to top

  Wild Animal Neighbors

     Because our campus exists in a wetlands area, it comes as no surprise that we have an entire society of wildlife around us. This place is a wild bird sanctuary and a place for all sorts of small animals. We have resident deer, coyote, raccoons, and a host of reptiles and amphibians all who live here.  They bring their own special magic and learning possibilities whenever they are present.    Back to top

     Your visits to Cedar River Montessori School are graced with the beauty of an incredible environment long before you even enter our remarkable classrooms.